Fischer Watea 84 review 2011
PROSKILAB™ reviewers' comments
Despite Fischer's excellent reputation, and the fact that its products regularly get top marks in Winter-Sports.com ski tests, this year we noted a number of shortcomings in the Watea skis tested in the "Versatile Freeride" and "Midfat Freeride" categories, and the Progressor 9, tested in the "Advanced" category. We found it very difficult to get a handle on the skis delivered for the tests, which all seemed to suffer from the same drawbacks, and we discussed the possible causes long and hard. Unfortunately, it's impossible for us to know if this is just a temporary problem due to the production, design, or preparation of the skis. We'll need to retest all three skis next year.
Review: Pros
- Despite the drawbacks mentioned below, this ski is still nice to use on soft snow at average speeds...
Review: Cons
- Our reviewers noted a lack of progressiveness and flex that resulted in the same weaknesses already noted in its little brother, the Watea 78, tested in the"Verastile Freeride" category. The ski grips and then loses grip, making turns difficult. It requires a lot of concentration, reducing the skier's pleasure. It was considered too "waisted" for the freeride, especially in difficult snow conditions (changing snow conditions, crud).
The ski review scores
Turn initiation | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 12.8 |
Stability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 10.0 |
Stability/turning performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 9.0 |
Grip | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 8.0 |
Short turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 9.0 |
Long turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.0 |
Skid turn performance | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 13.0 |
Handleability | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 11.0 |
Comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 8.0 |
Snow contact | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 11.0 |
Soft snow fluidity | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 10.0 |
Freeride - Flotation quality | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 11.0 |
Handling in powder | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 10.0 |
Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 9.0 |
Freeride - Performance on hard snow | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 7.0 |
All-terrain comfort | ☆☆☆☆☆ | 9.0 |
Who's it for?
Manufacturer's remarks
Called the “category killer” for its light weight, stability, and versatility, the Watea 84 is the perfect mid fat ski for the advanced to expert adventure seeker. I-Beam technology, sidewall construction, and the perfect waist width for a mountain of options…explore yours.
Features of the Watea 84
Brand : | Fischer |
Model : | Watea 84 |
Year : | 2011 |
Family : | Freeride midfat |
Size tested : | 184 cm |
Tip size : | 126 mm |
Waist size : | 84 mm |
Tail size : | 112 mm |
Radius for the size reviewed : | Not available |
Your review
Reviewed by PROSKILAB™
in La Clusaz, France, March 2010